Trump defends trade war with China, lashes out at immigration critics in UN speech

NEW YORK – In an address focused on domestic issues such as immigration and social media, President Donald Trump defended U.S. sovereignty and sought to build a case against Iran in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

As the furor over his decision to withhold aid from Ukraine roiled Washington, Trump defended his trade war with China, touted what he described as progress with North Korea and warned other nations not to subsidize Iran's "bloodlust."

In understated remarks that included no applause lines, Trump repeatedly appeared to be speaking to a domestic audience, lashing out at critics of his immigration policy, accusing social media companies of being undemocratic and defending the "America first" foreign policy that has become a trademark of his appearances here. 

"The future does not belong to globalists. The future belongs to patriots," Trump said. "The future belongs to sovereign and independent nations."

As expected, the president also focused on Iran, a subject that took on added importance after the Sept. 14 attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities.

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“All nations have a duty to act,” Trump said, defending his decision to impose heavy sanctions on Tehran. “No responsible nation should subsidize Iran’s bloodlust."  

China trade

Trump accused China of "gaming" the global trade system as he defended tariffs that his critics say have put the U.S. economy at risk of a recession. He repeated long-held criticism that the World Trade Organization is giving preferential treatment to China.

Chinese delegates sat stone-faced as Trump also briefly praised protesters in Hong Kong this year who are opposing Beijing's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. 

“We want balanced trade that is both fair and reciprocal,” Trump said.

Trump said that while he wants a trade deal with China, he would "not accept a bad deal for the American people.”

Domestic issues 

Trump delivered a scathing critique of social media companies, largely echoing the skepticism he has directed at Twitter and Facebook in the past.

The president has complained for years, without evidence, that those companies are attempting to silence conservative voices. Social media played a central role in Russia's attempt to influence the 2016 election, but it has also emerged globally as a way for citizens in repressive nations to organize dissent.

"A small number of social media platforms are acquiring immense power over what we can say,” Trump said. “A faceless bureaucracy operates in secret and weakens democratic rule."

Trump also offered an extended defense of his immigration policies. 

“Today, I have a message for those open-border activists,” Trump said, noting that perilous journey that many migrants face attempting to enter the U.S. “Your policies are not just. Your policies are cruel and evil.”

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Trump said that every nation has an “absolute right” to protects its borders “and so, of course, does our country.”

Trump seeks help on Iran

Trump said the world must stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon and he continued to criticize the 2015 nuclear deal he withdrew from last year.

“The regime’s record of death and destruction is well known to us all,” Trump said.

Trump noted that he had imposed sanctions after the recent attack on Saudi Arabia.

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On defense over Ukraine

Trump's third address to the U.N. comes as the White House is in defense mode over the growing scandal involving Ukraine. Trump has denied withholding aid to Ukraine as leverage to force leaders in Kiev to open an investigation into Joe Biden, the former vice president Democratic presidential candidate.

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But the issue continued to dog Trump throughout the day. As he walked into the speech, Trump confirmed to reporters that he withheld aid to Ukraine and he changed his story about why. Initially, Trump said it was because of corruption in Kiev. On Tuesday, he said it was because he wanted European leaders to contribute more. 

Progress on North Korea

Trump touched briefly on North Korea, saying that the United States wants “partners not adversaries" and that no country remains an enemy of the United States forever. 

The president touted his talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which have led to three one-on-one meetings. Critics have noted that North Korea continues to test missiles, despite the more open dialogue with Washington. 

“America knows that while anyone can make war, only the most courageous can make peace,” Trump said.

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LGBTQ and women

Trump also called on countries to support the economic empowerment of women, touting his Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiatives. 

“Nations that empower women are wealthier, safer and much more politically stable,” Trump said.

He also said he has championed the rights of LGBTQ individuals and is working with nations that “punish, jail or execute individuals based on sexual orientation.” 

"My administration is working with other nations to stop criminalizing of homosexuality and we stand in solidarity with LGBTQ people,” he said.

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Deirdre Shesgreen, David Jackson